BELMONT, NC - Belmont Abbey College edged the women's basketball team 65-59 in overtime this afternoon in non-conference basketball action, giving the Hawks their third loss of the season. Despite four Chowan players scoring in double figures, Belmont Abbey took advantage of their free shots in the game. The Crusaders hit 25 free throws while Chowan made 13 of 20 from the charity stripe. The difference in those numbers proved to be the difference in the game. 

The Crusaders jumped out to an 11 point lead shortly after the second period started. The Hawks offense shifted into gear  and over the final 15 minutes of play they began to chip away at Belmont Abbey's lead.  With :45 on the clock to play in regulation, Chowan's Brittany Nicholson stole in inbounded pass and scored on a lay up to knot the game at 55-55. Nicholson blocked a key shot by the Crusaders on their next trip down the court to force the overtime period. 

Belmont Abbey went on to score 10 overtime points and held Chowan to four points to take the win. The Hawks move to 1-3 overall while the Crusaders improve to 2-1 on the year. 

Nicholson ended the game with 10 points while Ransheeda Jennings , Najah Harris , and Naomi Walters each scored 12 points in the game. Jennings had seven boards and three steals in addition to her 12 points while Walters grabbed nine rebounds. The Hawks out rebounded the Crusaders 46 to 42 in the non-conference game.

The Hawks will host CIAA East Division member Virginia Union University on Monday, November 30th in their next outing. Tip off is slated for 5:30pm at the Helms Center.